EJD Middle School
Ball in the House at EJD
At the end of September, through band and chorus fundraising and
Arts in Education funding, the students at EJD were treated to a fantastic performance by a capella group Ball in the House. The Boston
based group shared their love and knowledge of many singing
styles, including pop, hip hop and Motown. Shown with the group
are 7th graders Savanah Neupert, Alex Galle and Michael Dion.
Career Day: On Thursday morning, November 20th, instead of regular classes for all students, EJD will host more than 30 speakers
representing a variety of different careers. Students have had the
opportunity to select three careers of interest to them and will attend
presentations on these careers. Please encourage your children to
dress nicely for Career Day. When your children come home on
November 20th, please ask them what they learned about possible
future careers.
1
5th Grade
PINK & YELLOW TEAMS
Math- Mrs. Hetko and Mr. Westerlund: In math, we have completed Module 1: Place Value and Decimal Fr actions, and the
first half of Module 2: Multi-Digit Whole Number and Decimal Fraction Operations. If your child is struggling with their nightly
homework, you can find the lesson at www.engageny.org . First go to Common Core at the top left of the page, and then click on
Common Core Curriculum in the drop down menu, and then 5 th grade math. You will find each module and lesson listed there. Students should also be bringing home the Problem Set from class each day to use as a guide to completing the homework.
Khetko@phoenixcsd.org and mwesterlund@phoenixcsd.org
ELA- Mrs. Matlock and Mrs. McCaffrey: Our classes have been wor king on a module that center s ar ound a book and ar ticles about rainforest research. This has been an interesting topic for the students. This particular module focuses on getting the gist of
a text, determining the meanings of new vocabulary words by using context, writing organized paragraphs, and answering multi-step
questions using text-based evidence to support the answer. We will end our third unit in this module with writing an essay that requires some research on the rainforest. Our next module will be dealing with human rights and we will be reading the novel, Esperanza Rising. There will be a considerable amount of reading that needs to be done at home each night, as required homework. Each
night, a parent must provide a signature to show that their child has read the assigned chapter. Please feel free to call or email your
child’s teacher any time you have any concerns or questions. jmatlock@phoenixcsd.org and lmccaffrey@phoenixcsd.org.
ELA: System 44- Mrs. Burdick: We will continue shar pening skills and nar r owing gaps thr ough use of the computer softwar e
and paired readings, as well as independent reading and individualized instruction. nburdick@phoenixcsd.org
Science-Mrs. Bonnier: In science, we have been wor king on the classification of or ganisms. We have finished lear ning about
the 6 kingdoms and we have moved on to our study of plants. The next part of our unit will cover invertebrates. There will be a research project to learn more about these fascinating creatures. Usually there isn’t any written homework for science, however, your
child should be bringing home their green science notebook to continually review new vocabulary and concepts. If you have any
questions or concerns, please email me at abonnier@phoenixcsd.org
Social Studies- Mr. Cassella: In the fir st quar ter , students wor ked on under standing basic geogr aphy skills and mor e detailed
information about natural and economic resources of the western hemisphere. We will take that knowledge into our next units on
Early Americans, European Exploration, and American Colonization. Students will learn that geography and natural resources play a
major role in shaping our country’s history.
Although we have only a few homework assignments, students are urged to make-up missed time and assignments after school as
needed. Our class time is critical to your child’s understanding of the Social Studies curriculum and their future success at EJD. jcassella@phoenixcsd.org
Mrs. Parks - Read 180
5th grade READ 180: Students just completed Workshop 1. Workshop 2: Immigration will focus on all genres of text. Students
will continue to work in three rotations: small group, independent reading, and computers. We will focus on the writing process and
the importance of transitional words and text-based details in their writing. Please continue to check their agendas on a daily basis. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions-eparks@phoenix.csd.org
Ms. Byrnes 6th Grade RTI classes
This Response to Intervention class is designed to support the instruction the students are receiving in their regular English Language Arts class. We have focused on citing evidence to support the text as well as drawing
inferences from the text. In addition, we have worked on determining a theme or central idea of the text.
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Mrs. Pritchard’s Art Room
EJD artists started the year off examining the work of Gustav Klimt.
Using Klimt’s painting “The Tree of Life” as inspiration, each student designed their own leaf to represent their personality.
Each class was given a specific color theme when designing their leaves.
Learning about color theory with a focus on the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, we were
able to combine all of our leaves to build this collaborative rainbow tree of creativity! Check it out in
the front lobby!
Miss Myers’ Art Room
Hi Artists! We have had a busy start to the year! Students have been doing a wonderful job creating amazing artworks.
5th Grade: Students are working on using perspective in art. Using one vanishing point and making an image look three dimensional.
7th Grade: We are working with value and forms. Students are practicing with still life artworks.
8th Grade: Students are starting designs on Syracuse China! We discussed the history of the Syracuse China and will be creating
artworks that remember a piece of our history.
Thanks to my artists for having a great start to this school year!
Save the Date:
Annual District Art Show, May 15, 2015
If you have any questions please e-mail me at amyers@phoenixcsd.org.
Holiday Concerts
Both to be held at 7 PM, JCB Auditorium
Dec. 9 – 7&8 Grade Band, Chorus, Jazz Band
Dec. 10 – 5&6 Grade Band and Chorus
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6th GRADE GREEN TEAM
MATH
Students just completed their study of ratios, rates, and percent at the end of October. Our second module unit will study arithmetic
operations, including the division of fractions. The students continue to utilize technology with our recent addition of tablets in the
classroom, as well as Schoology and other online resources.
SCIENCE
Students will be finishing chapter 5, “Changes Over Time.” The essential question for this chapter is, “What are Earth’s geological
features and forces?” The next unit deals with rocks and the rock cycle. Students should be studying vocabulary flashcards 5xs a
week.
SOCIAL STUDIES
In social studies, we have finished units on The Stone Age and Fertile Crescent Civilizations. We have just begun a unit about the
Nile River Valley. We will apply the words economy, geography, religion, communication, culture, and government while we are
learning about ancient Egyptians. As a culminating event, the students will be creating an artifact project for our Museum of Ancient
Egyptian Civilization. Information about the project has already been sent home.
ENGLISH 6
Mrs. Smart’s ELA classes have finished reading the novel The Lightning Thief. Students also just completed writing their first minianalytical essay. Our next unit is the culmination of the study of the hero’s journey in Unit 1 and the elements and themes of mythology in Unit 2. In this unit students will engage in a series of writer’s craft lessons around narrative writing as well as draft their own
“Hero’s Journey” narratives.
It’s not too late to sign up to receive daily “Green Gummy Bear Updates”. If you would like to receive these updates via email,
please contact me at lsmart@phoenixcsd.org.
READ 180
Mrs. Burdick’s Read 180 classes are beginning Workshop 3: “Stolen Childhoods.” We are also teaming with Mrs. George to read
Bud, Not Buddy, an historical fiction novel set in the era of the Great Depression.
SYSTEM 44
Mrs. Burdick’s System 44 class will continue sharpening skills and narrowing gaps through use of the computer software and paired
readings, as well as independent reading and individualized instruction. Sixth graders in this class will read Bud, Not Buddy, an historical fiction novel set in the era of the Great Depression. Students will work in this class, as well as Mrs. George’s class, to complete work with this novel.
6th GRADE PURPLE TEAM
ELA – We are just finishing Module 1 and The Lightning Thief. For the next few weeks we will be reviewing Literary Terms and
Poetry Concepts. Look for your students to be studying these at home, as they will be tested on this vocabulary. We will begin Module 2 after Thanksgiving and reading Bud Not Buddy.
SCIENCE
Students will be finishing CH 5, Changes Over Time. The essential question for this chapter is, What are Earth’s geological features
and forces? The next unit deals with rock and the rock cycle. Students should be studying vocabulary flashcards 5X a week.
Mrs. Burdick’s Read 180 classes are beginning Workshop 3: “Stolen Childhoods.” We are also teaming with Mrs. George to read
Bud, Not Buddy, an historical fiction novel set in the era of the Great Depression.
Mrs. Burdick’s System 44 class will continue sharpening skills and narrowing gaps through use of the computer software and paired
readings, as well as independent reading and individualized instruction. Sixth graders in this class will read Bud, Not Buddy, an historical fiction novel set in the era of the Great Depression. Students will work in this class, as well as Mrs. George’s class, to complete work with this novel.
In 6th grade math, we have just completed Module 1. Module 2 deals with mathematic operations: including division of fractions.
This will take us close to the Christmas break. Then we will move into Module 3: Rational Numbers. Helping your student with the
basic math facts of multiplication will benefit them greatly. Please do your best to use the methods being taught at school when helping your student. This will make things less confusing for him/her. I know it can be frustrating when working on the math concepts
when the methodology is so much different than it used to be, so please do not hesitate to contact me via email. I will do my best to
get back to you at my earliest convenience.
In social studies, we have finished units on The Stone Age and Fertile Crescent Civilizations. We have just begun a unit about the Nile
River Valley. We will apply the words economy, geography, religion, communication, culture, and government while we are learning
about ancient Egyptians. As a culminating event, the students will be creating an artifact project for our Museum of Ancient Egyptian
Civilization. Information about the project was sent home.
4
BLUE TEAM
Science 7: Students are exploring the 6 kingdoms of living things, will be observing living one celled organisms of
the protest kingdom, and also will learn the many positive and negative uses of bacteria. Please encourage your student to study their journal notes nightly as there will be a 5 minute journal quiz at the beginning of most classes.
Living Environment 8:
We are beginning the unit on human body systems and students will be performing their
second State Lab during this unit. They will also be spending time in the computer lab researching and making a
wanted poster on a bacterial disease as well as a writing a letter as a newspaper physician explaining the diagnosis,
symptoms, and treatments for a common disease/infection. Please remind your students to read over their notes
after each class.
Social studies – We have completed our units on the Native Americans and Explorers. We are currently studying
the Thirteen Colonies and then will be moving on to the American Revolution. Please check your child’s agenda regularly for homework and upcoming tests and quizzes.
English 7 – We have just finished our unit on Evidence-based claims. Students will be using these skills in all future
writing assignments. We will being the novel A LONG WALK TO WATER next week. Please check agendas for
reading and writing assignments.
Math- As we begin the second quarter we also begin in a new unit in math. The unit we will be working on is Rationals. During this unit students will be introduced to Integers and work with all operations involving Integers. As we
progress through the unit we will shift to fractions and mixed numbers again focusing on applying the four operations with these numbers along with converting between decimals and fractions. To conclude the unit all operations
of rationals will be used to write and solve algebraic equations involving rational numbers. I am including a link that
will provide parents with a “family toolkit” provided by Engage NY (https://www.engageny.org/parent-and-familyresources). I encourage students and parents to utilize Schoology not only as a source of seeing what we are doing
in class but also as a reference and/or resource for helping you better understand the concepts being taught in the
classroom. Students are encouraged to stay for extra help from 2:30-3:05 and student-athletes are also able to
stay without missing any practice time.
Mr Conklin’s Math Classes
Math – The 7th graders are just about finishing module one. Module two will be about the use
of integers in multiplication, division, subtraction and addition. Please check your child’s agenda regularly for homework and upcoming quizzes or tests. If you have any questions feel free
to e-mail me at wconklin@phoenixcsd.org
Math – The 8th graders have recently started the transformations unit. Over the past week they
have completed their 2nd mid module test. Once we are complete with transformations, parallel
lines and angles will be the next topic. Please check your child’s agenda regularly for homework and upcoming quizzes or tests. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at
wconklin@phoenixcsd.org
Yearbook News!
Buy the 2014-2015 Yearbook Now!
You can purchase the yearbook for $16.20 and you can add a personalization or icons for an additional cost.
Don’t wait the pr ice for the year book will go up on January 9th to $21.60. After January 9th you will not
be able to add a personalization or icons to your yearbook. Or der for ms wer e mailed home with the 5
week reports or your child can pick one up outside of room 113 or Mrs. Pritchard’s room.
5
The Orange Team
ENGLISH – English 7 just completed the first part of its evidence-based claims unit. The students closely analyzed
Cesar Chavez’s “Commonwealth Club Address” speech, completed forming evidence-based claims graphic organizers, and wrote constructed responses. Next, the students will use the text to plan for, and write, an extendedresponse.
English 8 just completed the first part of its evidence-based claims unit. They closely analyzed: Sojourner Truth’s
speech “Ain’t I a Woman?,” Shirley Chisholm’s speech “Equal Rights for Women,” and Venus Williams’ editorial
“Wimbledon Has Sent Me a Message: I’m Only a Second-Class Champion.” They used these texts to complete forming evidence-based claims graphic organizers and write constructed responses. Next, the students will use these
texts to plan for, and write, an extended response.
All students took their evidence-based claims common interim assessment on November 3 and 4. It will be included
with their second-quarter grades. In addition, seventh and eighth grade students have been participating in language study by learning about coordinating and subordinating conjunctions and independent and dependent clauses, as well as learning new vocabulary using the Wordly Wise vocabulary program.
MATH – Math 7 is starting Module 2, which covers integers.
Math 8 is starting Math Module 3, which covers dilations and similar figures.
To help your student, please be sure he/she is doing math homework on a regular basis and discuss with him/her
the many ways in which you use math in your daily life. Students should also bring a scientific calculator to class on
a daily basis.
SCIENCE - Science 7 just finished human systems and are starting diversity of living things. Students did a great job
on their cell-model projects.
Science 8 just finished its unit on measurement with a performance exam. We are starting our next unit on problem
solving, which is also known as experimental design. Students will design controlled experiments in this unit.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Social Studies 7 has completed the Native Americans and Explorers unit. We are currently studying the thirteen colonies and then will be moving on to the American Revolution. Please check your child’s agenda
regularly for homework and upcoming tests and quizzes.
THE BLACK TEAM
MATH: Over the next few weeks in Mrs. Walberger’s math class, students will continue working on Transformations including
discussion on congruent as well as similar figures. Students will next be introduced to Dilations in Module 3. To help your child be
successful in math class, please have him/her complete the homework on the day it is assigned. This way he/she can come in for
extra help after school if the work is not understood. It is also important to remind your child to bring the math notes home to assist
with the homework questions. Thanks for your cooperation.
ELA: We have just finished our evidence-based claims writing unit and will begin our work on module 1. During this unit of study,
students will be reading a novel about a refugee’s experience of fleeing and finding home in the novel Inside Out and Back Again.
Students will address the standards of the Common Core curriculum while reading and writing about various levels and genres of
texts centered around the module’s theme. Your student will be responsible for nightly reading assignments throughout the module.
SOCIAL STUDIES: In Social Studies, we have introduced the tablets! Students in Mr. martin’s and Mr. Dalgety’s 8 th grade social
studies classes have the use of Samsung Galaxy TAB4 tablets in the classroom. We will be using them in our current study of Exploration and Imperialism. We are very excited to have this opportunity. It was mentioned in the progress report that parents should be
checking with their children their accounts on-line using the SCHOOLOGY.com website. Everything we do is posted there.
6
Foreign Language Corner
Montreal 2015
Another Deposit of $50.00 will be due no later than December 1 st, 2014. Letters have been mailed home indicating the balance for
your child’s trip. Please make checks payable to “central treasurer”. Permission slips and other pertinent information will be coming
home after the holidays! Merci!
Cirque Holidaze Show
If your child signed up to attend the Cirque Holidaze Show, please have him or her at JCB no later than 5:45 on Monday December
22nd.
French 8- Madame Ford: We have been spending a lot of time r eviewing ver bs fr om last year . Please be sur e your child is
studying on a nightly basis. This is a very important year of foreign language!
French 7- Madame Ford: Your child has been ver y busy this past quar ter lear ning the alphabet, accent mar ks, number s and
time telling. We will soon be having a Unit Exam. Please be sure your child is studying their vocabulary on a nightly basis!
SPANISH 7
Students recently took a quarterly assessment in Spanish. The exam tested the four main topics studied this
first quarter: the Spanish alphabet, introductory vocabulary, numbers, and time telling. Due to the fact that this
evaluation was just given on November 13 & 14, the grade (on this evaluation) was not able to be factored into
your child’s 10 week average.
Notebooks were also recently collected (and will be collected at the end of every quarter). Because students
will be taking an assessment at the end of each quarter, it is important for them to keep an organized notebook. If your child does not have an organized notebook at this time, please encourage him/her to see me for
assistance.
Students will be learning a lot of vocabulary throughout the course of this school year. I recommend that students study their vocabulary on a regular basis (around 10-15 minutes daily). If your child is having difficulty,
encourage him/her to make flashcards (with Spanish on one side and the English translation on the other).
8th Grade Spanish
¡Hola! For those of you who do not know, my name is Alicia Brown and I am currently filling in for your child’s Spanish teacher, Mrs. Keib, while she is out on maternity leave. I
will be in the classroom until mid-December before Mrs. Keib returns!
It has been a busy couple of months! So far, we have covered 7th grade review material,
and are now moving into the food unit. This unit will cover food and restaurant vocabulary, as well as writing pieces and oral conversations. Please remind your child to be reviewing class material each night in order to build a strong vocabulary and understanding
of the Spanish language!
I look forward to meeting you at the upcoming parent-teacher conferences!
Home & Careers
The current Home and Careers students had the opportunity to participate in the Enterprise America experience. They ran and operated their OWN city for a day at
the WCNY building in Syracuse. Pictured here you will
see the Mayoral swearing in as well as several students
hard at work!
7
fOR MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES—VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:
www.phoenixcsd.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
November
20—EJD Career Day (half day) — Afternoon / Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences
21—HALF DAY for students
26—28 - Thanksgiving Recess
Notes:
Team News
Pages 2-6
December
4—Afternoon / Evening Parent-Teacher (Half day for students)
5—HALF DAY for students
9—7th & 8th Grade Band/Chorus /Jazz Band concert at JCB—7:00 p.m.
10—5th & 6th Grade Band/Chorus concert at JCB—7:00 p.m.
11—Snow date for the concerts on the December 10th and 11th
12—End of the 15 week marking period
18—15 Week Progress Reports distributed
24—31—Christmas Recess
January
1—2 - Holiday Recess —No School
19—Martin Luther King Day—No School
30—End of the 20 week marking period
Feb. 5—Report cards distributed
Art
Music
Page 3
Foreign Language &
Home & Careers
Page 7
Upcoming Events
Page 8
8
2014-2015 EMERSON J. DILLON
PHYSICAL EDUCATION HANDBALL CHAMPIONS
5th GRADE
6th GRADE
7th GRADE
8th GRADE
We would like to congratulate the EJD Physical Education TOP 5 Fitnessgram finishers from each grade level:
GIRLS
Pacer
5th Grade
1. Hanadi Sardo
2. Adrianna Breckheimer
3. McKenna Neiss
4. Aliyah Huff
5. Kelsea Costello
Pacer
6th Grade
1.
2.
3.
3.
5.
Miranda Larobardiere
Brielle DeRoberts
Emma Clark
Alexis Dryer
Tabitha Clark
Pacer
7th Grade
1.
2.
3.
4.
4.
Julianna Lewis
Nicole Tulowiecki
Brigid Lawless
Violet Ameele
Brianna Buonagurio
Pacer
8th Grade
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
5.
5.
Emilie Hilliard
Gianna DeRoberts
Ashley Margrey
Crystal Stobart
Brianna Gates
Hannah Gilbert
Katie Kimball
Score
Arm Hang
Score
50
48
46
43
41
1. Alexandra Hopps
2. Gracie Britton
3. Chloe Coughlin
3. McKenna Neiss
5. Kelsea Costello
42
40
24
24
19
Score
Arm Hang
Score
80
78
55
55
54
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Score
95
80
72
66
66
Arm Hang
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Score
96
80
72
63
60
60
60
Brielle DeRoberts
Miranda LaRobardiere
Rebecca Coon
Tabitha Clark
Caitlyn Sutkus
Violet Ameele
Alexandrea Galle
Samantha Harrison
Julia Francisco
Julianna Lewis
Arm Hang
1.
2.
3.
4.
4.
Gianna DeRoberts
Katie Kimball
Abigail Clark
Emilie Hilliard
Kristine Rowe
67
56
37
30
23
Curl Ups
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Naveah Lando
Madison Grover
Brooke Spring
Sarah Ashby
Ariana Richway
470
337
237
198
168
Curl Ups
Score
Miranda LaRobadiere
Brielle DeRoberts
Natalie Brown
Amanda Justian
Caitlyn Sutkus
700
553
548
392
102
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Score
42
36
33
31
30
Score
40
33
18
15
15
Score
Curl Ups
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Teresa Uhl
Brianna Buonagurio
Samantha Harrison
Olivia Bigelow
Allison Grabowski
Curl Ups
1. Emilie Hilliard
Score
1016
956
479
145
143
Score
340
BOYS
Pacer
5th Grade
1. Brendan Champion
2. Brayden Biondolillo
3. Ian Burgett
4. Jonathan Dion
5. Collin Ashby
Pacer
6th Grade
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Noah Gordon
Mason Watkins
Akex Olschweske
Jedidiah Chesbro
Traevon Riel
Pacer
7th Grade
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Jacob Cooper
Conner Cole
Andrew Hemmingway
Cameron Fordyce
Nathan Debiew
Seth Watkins
Pacer
8th Grade
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
5.
Garrett Watkins
Ross McFarland
Griffin Goodnow
Chris Bruno
Trevor LaRobardiere
Trevor Halstead
Score
72
68
61
55
52
Arm Hang
1. Sean Stevens
2. Jacob Carter
3. James Hagg
4. Collin Ashby
4. Jonathan Dion
4. Brendan Champion
4. Jacob Neupert
Score
76
75
66
64
63
Arm Hang
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Score
96
84
81
78
76
76
Arm Hang
1.
2.
3.
4.
4.
Score
104
100
81
78
70
70
Axel Gates
Braden Jolly
Alex Olschweske
Noah Gordon
Kolby Costello
Darren Fischel
Elijah Young
Caleb Connolly
Jacob Cooper
Joshua Lovins
Arm Hang
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
5.
Ross McFarland
Luke Francisco
Gavin Trask
Jacob Sharp
Eric Betts
Earl Fuller
Score
64
47
40
27
27
27
27
Curl Ups
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Score
41
35
21
20
17
Score
59
38
37
24
24
Score
56
45
39
38
37
37
Jacob Neupert
Dylan Tack
Ian Burgett
Cody McFall
Matthew Files
Curl Ups
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Noah Gordon
Ethan Fox
Ben Thibault
Kolby Costello
Nathan Kosakowski
Curl Ups
1. Jadan Bruno
2. Caleb Connolly
3. Riley Belknap
4. Seth Watkins
5. Conner Cole
Curl Ups
1. Ross McFarland
2. Garrett Watkins
Score
547
432
379
314
242
Score
675
386
355
206
186
Score
524
520
398
205
180
Score
1807
321